Prognostic significance of the E-box binding zinc finger protein 2 and epithelia-cadherin in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the expressions of E-box bing zinc finger protein 2 (ZEB2) and epithelia-cadherin (E-cadherin) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their prognostic significance. Methods The expression of ZEB2 and E-cadherin in 218 ESCC and 60 cases of normal esophageal tissue was detected by SP immunohistochemistry. Cox regression model was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results The expression rate of ZEB2 was 35.3%(77/218) significantly higher in ESCC tissues than those was 18.3% (11/60) in normal tissue (χ2=6.276, P=0.012). The expression of E-cadherin protein was 45.8% (100/218) significantly lower in ESCC tissues than those was 66.7%(40/60) in normal tissue (χ2=8.139, P=0.004). The expressions of ZEB2 and E-cadherin protein were correlated with tumor size, depth of tumor invasion (χ2=4.104, P=0.043), lymph node metastasis (χ2=10.640, P=0.001) and TNM stage (χ2=11.080, P=0.001) in ESCC tissues. ZEB2 was negatively correlated with E-cadherin protein in ESCC tissues (r=-0.440, P=0.000). Multiple-factor analysis showed ZEB2 was the independent prognostic factors for ESCC. Conclusion The positive expression of ZEB2 is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) happened and an important factor of poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Key words: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; E-box bing zinc finger protein 2; Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation; E-cadherin; Prognosis